University of Vermont fans pumped for championship game

Students line halls to score tickets

The University of Vermont men's basketball team scored enough hoops this past weekend to win their conference semifinals. Now, student are looking to score tickets to the championship game -- a game that could land them a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Hundreds of students snaked through the lobby and halls of UVM to buy tickets to Saturday's game. Some waited in line for hours.

"It was crazy. I've been coming to these games since I was in diapers. Never seen anything like this," said Ashley McDonald, who waited about an hour for her ticket.

She said it was worth the wait.

This is UVM's eighth championship game in 12 years but for some like Corey Tillson, it is the first time he'll be able to see it in person.

The school hasn't hosted this America East game since 2010.

"They're excited, like, A, to see our team play for a championship and B, to be on TV an represent UVM, I think it's a combination of those two is what drew people here," said Tillson of the lines Wednesday morning.

The athletic department reports all 700 student tickets available sold out in a little over an hour.

"We were really mad," said one student, who was turned away at the counter.

For fans not lucky enough to get a seat inside for the game, there is still a chance to cheer on their favorite team. The UVM Athletics Department will be hosting a pre-game fan fest outside Patrick Gymnasium on Saturday morning.

Of course you can catch highlights from News Channel 5 Sports on wptz.com and at 6 p.m. and 11p.m. Saturday.

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